What is the primary purpose of circuit breakers and fuses?

The primary purpose of circuit breakers and fuses is to interrupt the circuit. Both devices serve as safety mechanisms designed to protect electrical circuits from damage caused by overloads or short circuits. When the current flowing through a circuit exceeds a predetermined limit due to excessive load or fault conditions, the circuit breaker opens the circuit, or the fuse melts, thereby stopping the flow of electricity. This action helps prevent overheating, potential fires, and equipment damage.

In contrast, enhancing circuit efficiency, regulating voltage, or measuring current flow are not the main functions of these devices. Circuit breakers and fuses do not improve the efficiency of the circuit operation or manage voltage levels; they purely focus on protecting the circuit by interrupting current flow in unsafe situations.